City limits capacity to 50 per cent at recreation, cultural facilities

OTTAWA – Ottawa, in accordance with provincial rules, is cutting capacity by 50 per cent at facilities across the city.

“Effective immediately, the City of Ottawa is limiting capacity to 50 per cent at its recreation and culture indoor facilities, following the new provincial measures and Ottawa Public Health’s Letter of Instruction, to help slow down the current surge of the Omicron variant,” city staff released in a statement yesterday (Dec. 20).

The reduced capacity restrictions impact the following:

• Recreation and community centres
• Cardio and weight rooms
• Swimming pools
• Arenas
• Skate changing facilities
• Theatres
• Museums
• Art galleries
• Meeting and event spaces

The online reservation system on ottawa.ca/recreation will be used to manage capacity for other drop-in activities such as public and lane swims, indoor skating, fitness classes and the use of the cardio/weight rooms. Please also check ottawa.ca for details on the holiday schedule.

“All winter aquatic, recreation and arts programs slated to begin in January 2022 will also operate under these reduced capacities,” staff said. “More information on these programs will be available in the coming weeks.”

Current COVID-19 protocols remain in place at all city recreation and cultural facilities, including mandatory mask requirements, physical distancing, and proof of vaccination for all residents 12 years of age and older.

“City staff understand the impact of the recent turn of events,” staff said. “However, the measures will create a safer environment for residents to stay active and entertained, but also help protect our health-care system and our most vulnerable residents. We are looking forward to when they can ramp up to normal capacity levels and offer a full slate of recreation and cultural activities.”

For more information on city programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 311 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the city using Canada Video Relay Service.